Wales Under-21 0 Scotland Under-21 1.

IT IS ironic that after starring in front of crowds of up to 60,000, Hibs striker Kenny Miller's future for club and country could have been sealed at an antiquated old ground just outside Armagh, Northern Ireland, where the officials of Scotland and Wales Under-21 sides almost outnumbered the pocket of avid international aficionados.

The spotlight once again fell on the slight shoulders of the prom-ising 20-year-old as national coach Craig Brown and Rangers' chief scout Ewan Chester dropped by to cast their eye over Easter Road's prized asset, and their journey certainly proved fruitful as he scored the decisive goal - and showed more besides - to ensure a 1-0 win over a woeful Welsh side in the international challenge tournament.

Brown has never hidden his admiration for the talented youngster and even though he has thus far resisted the temptation to throw him into senior international football, he will have compiled a complimentary mental report as he rakes through the potential candidates for promotion ahead of the qualification campaign for the 2002 World Cup.

By the time that kicks-off in September, Miller may well have swopped the green of Hibernian for the blue of champions Rangers.

His current employers were forced to send out an ambiguous denial after it emerged that a ''mystery club'' had tabled a #1.2m bid through an unnamed third party, but the speculation has persisted, and after Chester's appearance at Loughgall, where his trained eyes were focused on the man

darting around with his No.9 shirt billowing in the breeze.

Alex Smith had made only three changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Jamie Langfield replaced Ryan Esson in goal, full back Warren Cummings' place was taken by Luton Town's Stuart Fraser after the Chelsea full back sustained a head knock in Newry, while Derek Young was given his chance in the position behind the front pairing of Miller and Alex Notman, where Manchester United's Michael Stewart proved so adept 48 hours earlier.

The inclusion of Young, who has endured a frustrating season on the periphery of the Aberdeen first-team, was fully justified after only eight minutes when he supplied Miller with an opportunity he gratefully accepted. The playmaker took up position on the left and swung Kieran McAnespie's line pass inside the box, from where Miller calmly rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home.

The terrier-like triumverate of Young, Miller, and Notman had the measure of the Welsh defence, who were left dizzy as the Scots danced around them at will, but they almost paid for a moment's slackness at the other end. Chris Doig cleared carelessly, allowing Daniel Slatter to shot from just outside the box. However, Langfield read the danger and

fended the ball away from goal.

The keeper's participation was minimal during a landslide first half. In front of him, Newcastle United's Stephen Caldwell barked instructions and motioned his men forward like with the authority of a seasoned veteran.

Scotland remained streets ahead in a forgettable second period and were content to show their suprem-acy in terms of volume of possession rather than goals. Young, who had been one of the major successes of the first half, was forced to retire early after picking up a knock, his place being taken by Michael Stewart, the newest kid to emerge from the Old Trafford youth ranks.

Scott Severin, another candidate for the step up to senior level, made way for Kilmarnock's Peter Canero, while Neil Tarrant took over from Stewart's club-mate, Notman.

''It's flattering to be linked with a team like Rangers,'' said Miller later. ''They are the top team in Scotland and it's good to hear when you're only 20-years-old but I'm happy to stay at Hibs but if they accept an offer it is up to them.''

Manager Smith praised his team's efforts. ''It has been encouraging and we have uncovered some more talent that will be available to us for the next few years. Kenny Miller could have had a hat trick but he showed some great runs and it's hard to believe that only last year he was not even considered for our team and was on-loan to Stenhousemuir.''

Wales - Walsh, Green, Gabbidon, Jenkins, Stephen Roberts, Slatter, Williams, Davies, Llewellyn, Joanne, Maxwell. Substitutes - Day, Folland, Gibson, Stuart Roberts, Tipton Earnshaw, Kendall.

Scotland - Langfield (Dundee), Fraser (Luton Town), McAnespie (St Johnstone), Wilkie (Dundee), Caldwell (Newcastle United), Doig (Nottingham Forest), Notman (Man-chester United), Severin (Hearts), Miller (Hibs), Young (Aberdeen). Substitutes - Gallacher (Dundee United), Neilson (Hearts), Jordan (Bristol City), Stewart (Manchester United), Canero (Kilmarnock), Tarrant (Aston Villa), Nicholas (Motherwell).